Busting the 5 Leading Myths About Assisted Living Communities

Assisted living communities offer older adults a wide range of benefits, from a healthy, active social life to support with safely managing medications. This type of senior housing can help residents improve their quality of life in many ways. 

But there are a variety of myths about assisted living that can create unnecessary fear in families and make them hesitant to even consider a move. These misconceptions can get in the way and prevent seniors from making an informed decision about assisted living and accessing the supportive environments and thoughtfully designed services these communities offer. 

Myth 1: Assisted living is only for seniors who need extensive care and services

One of the most prevalent myths is that assisted living communities are primarily for older adults who require constant, complex medical care. In reality, assisted living is designed for seniors who need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or medication management, but who do not require round-the-clock nursing care. 

Residents also benefit from the physical environment of a community. Features such as handrails, grab bars, accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems make it easier and safer to stay independent. 

Myth 2: Assisted living communities are expensive 

Cost is a significant concern for many families—they may think assisted living is beyond their financial reach. However, the actual cost of a community can be comparable to living at home. That’s especially true when an older adult needs to hire additional support from a home care agency. 

Families are often surprised to find that the monthly fees include many of the expenses the senior is already incurring at home. These can include nutritious meals and snacks, fitness centers, transportation, utilities, basic cable, laundry, housekeeping and more. When these expenses are considered and then realized they may be INCLUDED in the community fee, it sheds a new light when considering cost.

Myth 3: Residents lose their privacy and independence 

Another common myth is that moving to an assisted living community means giving up independence and privacy. Many families fear that their loved ones will be confined to their rooms or restricted in their daily activity and not exercising their independence. Nothing could be further from the truth. 

Privacy is also not a concern. Assisted living residents typically have a private suite or apartment, and they are free to come and go as they please. And no one is required to join activities or to take part in anything they don’t want to do, but it is there if and when they do want to participate. Each resident can set their own schedule and choose how many—if any—activities to participate in. They can decide if they want to share mealtime in the company of others in the dining room, or dine in private.

Myth 4: Communities are boring and isolating 

The stereotype of residents spending long, lonely days in assisted living is just that—a stereotype. The idea that residents are bored and lonely simply isn’t true; quite the contrary. In fact, older adults who live alone in a private residence are much more likely to suffer the negative health consequences caused by isolation. 

When you visit an assisted living community, you’ll find it to be a vibrant hub of activity. Residents regularly enjoy informal gatherings—to watch a movie together in the evening, for example, or chat over a cup of coffee in the morning. They also have ample opportunity to participate in on-site programs or outings to popular local destinations, such as art museums and shopping centers. 

Myth 5: Moving to a community means losing connections 

Older adults often worry that if they move to an assisted living community, people will forget about them and never visit. This fear can make the transition seem daunting. But the reality is far different. While new residents will discover that it’s easy to build a circle of friends at the community, old friends and families are encouraged to visit as often as they’d like. Most senior communities host family events designed specifically to keep ties to residents’ past lives firmly in place. Many communities offer a private dining room for family dinners and activity rooms and lounges for fun and relaxation.

See for Yourself 

Busting myths about assisted living requires an open mind, communication, education, and a willingness to investigate. You can start off with a call to ask preliminary questions and to arrange a private visit. An in-person visit is the best way to experience the environment firsthand. There is always a person on staff to talk about what you’re hoping to find for yourself or a loved one, and asking the right questions will foster awareness and transparency to empower families to make the best informed decisions.

We Are Here to Help

If you have questions about assisted living and are curious to explore further, we invite you to schedule a visit to an ASC community near you. Our lifestyle counselors are on staff and ready to have a conversation, with no obligation. You can call to set up a time or stop by to visit. We’re looking forward to answering your questions and providing everything you need to make an informed decision.

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